Gluten Related Disorders in Barrett's Esophagus

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In a small group of people gluten, a storage protein commonly in wheat and other grains, can cause gut inflammation and symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Gluten-related disorders include celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and are treated by starting a gluten free diet (GFD). Patients with CD and NCGS also more commonly experience esophageal reflux and damage to the lining of the esophagus. A potential consequence of long-standing heartburn is Barrett's esophagus (BE), a major risk factor for cancer of the esophagus.

This study aims to investigate the mechanism that leads to reflux and BE in those with gluten related disorders, and to assess if a GFD is beneficial. We will study the upper gut function and reflux activity in patients with BE both with and without a GRD disorder. Testing will occur before and after a gluten free diet is instituted. The results will help inform health care providers and patients about the connection between gluten-related disorders, reflux, BE, and the role of GFD.

The primary objectives are to explore if patients with gluten-related disorders (CD and GS) may have an altered mechanism of developing Barrett's esophagus typified by increased alkali reflux compared to those without gluten-related disorders; and to determine if this mechanism (altered motility and increased non-acid reflux) responds to a gluten free diet.

Specific objectives include assessing whether patients with GRD and Barrett's esophagus have altered esophageal reflux extent, frequency, and type (assessed by pH-impedance); altered symptom profiles; differential esophageal body and sphincter pressures (assessed by manometry); aberrant gastroduodenal motility (assessed by videofluoroscopy) in comparison to patients with BE and no GRD. Finally a gluten free diet will be instituted to assess whether a gluten-free diet alters esophageal reflux extent, frequency, and type or symptom profiles in those with BE with and without a GRD.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 18 years and over

Barrett's Esophagus diagnosis based on endoscopy and esophageal biopsies

Patients able to comply to the study procedures, according to the investigator's own judgment

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients who have been on a gluten free diet within the last six months

History of bariatric surgery, fundoplication, or gastrectomy (partial or complete)

Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Women enrolling in the study will be advised to avoid pregnancy during the course of the study by using adequate birth control such as abstinence, oral contraceptive pill, barrier contraceptives (i.e condom). If a subject becomes pregnant she will be withdrawn from the study.

Concurrent systemic disease and/or laboratory abnormalities considered by investigators to be a risk or that could interfere with data collection